All About Cargo

[deicer]

[Guest1]

CMA CGM Cargo Plans To Add New York & Atlanta To Route Network
by
Mark Finlay
March 27, 2021

French Ocean container line CMA CGM’s new cargo airline CMA CGM AIR CARGO announced via social media on Friday that it would be operating two new roots from Liege, Belgium, to Atlanta and New York from Sunday, March 28, 2021. This news comes fast on the heels of the launch of its first route between Liège Airport (LGG) and Chicagos’ O’Hare International Airport (ORD), which commenced flights just over two weeks ago.

CMA CGM Air Cargo already flies to Chicago. Photo: CMA CGM Air Cargo
The aircraft, registration number OO-AIR, is the second of four used Airbus A330-200F aircraft that CMA CGM AIR CARGO plans to use on routes between the former industrial powerhouse and the United States. After seeing a surge in demand for air cargo and the logistics required to ship the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, CMA CGM AIR CARGO purchased the aircraft from Qatar Airways Cargo.

The planes are from Qatar Airways Cargo
Wanting to strike while the iron is hot, CMA CGM AIR CARGO opted to buy four used Airbus  A330-200F aircraft from Qatar Airways Cargo. The Gulf carrier had already earmarked the retirement of its four remaining A330-200F to make way for the arrival of new Boeing triple seven freighters from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington.

With the Boeing 777F’s arriving in January 2021, the timing was perfect for CMA CGM’s new Liege-based cargo airline launch. According to the aviation enthusiast website planespotters.net, the four 60-tonne-payload Airbus A330-200F freighter aircraft are relatively young, with an average age of 5.7 years.

CMA CGM Air Cargo is based at Liege Airport in Belgium. Photo: CMA CGM Air Cargo
When speaking about why the container shipping giant had decided to get into the air freight business, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saadé said the following in a company statement released February 12, 2021:

“In response to the growing demand from our customers for agile logistics solutions, we are creating a new division within the CMA CGM Group dedicated to air transport: CMA CGM Air Cargo. This division will launch with four Airbus A330-200F aircraft and will leverage commercial partnerships with airlines in order to deliver global coverage. This is a major milestone in the development of our logistics services.”

Air Belgium will operate the planes
In another move designed to get the airline flying as soon as possible, CMA CGM decided to partner with Air Belgium and operate its aircraft under Air Belgiums’ Air Operators Certificate (AOC) rather than wait to get an AOC of its own.

With ORD taking care of the distribution and logistics of goods arriving in the midwestern United States, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will take care of the northeast. At the same time, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will be the south’s gateway.

Why Liege Airport?
Liege Airport is strategically located at the heart of the Amsterdam-Paris-Frankfurt golden triangle, one of the busiest business districts in all of Europe.  Located less than a day’s drive from most of Europes major city’s Liege Airport is easily accessed by a superb uncongested motorway network.

CMA CGM Air Cargo
Air Belgium operates CMA CGM Air Cargo flights. Image: CMA CGM Air Cargo
It is primarily set up to operate as a cargo airport; Liege airport handles 73% of all European air freight by offering the facilities and prices that other airports can’t match.

[Kip Powick]

Unfortunately both Bruno and Roger are deceased...Was a fun show...

[dagger]

On 3/27/2021 at 8:24 AM, deicer said:

Actually, heavy equipment operators are hardly unskilled. They are certainly paid big bucks. 

[dagger]

I see AC moved another 777-300ER from Marana to YMX today, likely for temp freighter conversion.

[Kip Powick]

Canal ship is "free"

https://www.cnn.com/africa/live-news/suez-canal-shipping-crisis-03-29-21

 

[Guest1]

cargo.one to welcome Air Canada Cargo as its first North American carrier

30 March 2021Canadian Aviation News

cargo.one to welcome Air Canada on its leading ebooking platform and to deliver on its global expansion strategy, funded by its December 2020 Series-B investment round.

Berlin, March 30, 2021 – cargo.one has entered into a letter of intent with Air Canada, through its cargo division Air Canada Cargo, to offer its capacity on cargo.one’s leading air cargo booking platform. Upon conclusion of a definitive agreement, freight forwarders will soon have access to a first-class booking experience with real-time capacity and quotes. The airline is poised to become the first North American airline on the cargo.one ebooking platform.

“We are delighted to double down on our global expansion strategy and look forward to welcoming Air Canada Cargo on board as a first mover in the North American region. Air Canada Cargo’s constant drive for innovation and technology to offer customers the best possible service is very much in line with cargo.one’s values and strategy,” stated Moritz Claussen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of cargo.one. “Given the current capacity constraints out of Europe to North America, cargo.one’s growing user base will now have additional real-time access to much sought-after space at the click of a button.“ 

Jason Berry, Vice President Cargo at Air Canada, said: “An association with cargo.one will enable us to deliver on our customer promise of providing easy and reliable booking access to our growing capacities and help us to further develop our digital distribution capabilities. A concluded definitive agreement will support Air Canada Cargo’s rapid cargo network expansion, increase its day-to-day efficiency, while at the same time offering customers an outstanding service quality and seamless online access to attractive connections to and from Europe, Latin America, the US and Asia-Pacific.” 

cargo.one raised more than $60 million in two funding rounds last year to support its rapid expansion, with one key focus on establishing a North American presence. It recently appointed Chad Tibor as Vice President and General Manager Airlines for the Americas, to shape its supplier growth strategy on the American continents. Chad Tibor commented: “We look forward to supporting Air Canada Cargo’s growth as it adds more cargo flights and takes delivery of the first two of its freighters later this year. We see the Americas as key markets for cargo.one and will continue to invest in long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with carriers here, with Air Canada as a blueprint.”

cargo.one and Air Canada Cargo have kicked off their integration phase. Subject to the conclusion of a definitive agreement which is planned to be finalized by April 30, Europe to North America flights are expected to go live in the second quarter of 2021.

ABOUT AIR CANADA CARGO

[Kip Powick]

[Guest1]

Cargojet Expands Relationship with Amazon

1 April 2021Canadian Aviation News

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 1, 2021 /CNW/ – Cargojet Inc. (“Cargojet”) (TSX: CJT) announced today that it has entered into a new Air Transportation Services Agreement with Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC (“Amazon”). 

Under the agreement, Cargojet will expand upon its existing commercial relationship with Amazon. As part of this arrangement, Cargojet will operate two Amazon-owned B767-300BDSF aircraft as part of the Amazon Air network on a CMI basis within Canada starting mid-2021. Cargojet expects the agreement to generate additional revenue growth to Cargojet’s earnings and cash flows over time. The agreement has a four-year term with three successive two-year renewal options.

“We are very excited to expand our long-term relationship of providing a portfolio of services which support the rapid growth of e-Commerce in Canada.  This new four-year Agreement with renewal options is a testament to our relentless focus on exceeding customer expectations,” said Dr. Ajay Virmani, President and CEO Cargojet.

Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time sensitive premium air cargo services to all major cities across North America, providing Dedicated ACMI and International Charter services and carries over 25,000,000 pounds of cargo weekly. Cargojet operates its network with its own fleet of 27 Cargo aircraft.

 

 

CargojetCargojet

[dagger]

I see AC is now doing what amounts to daily 7xxx numbered flights into NRT and ICN, mainly with 777s, and has added near daily 7xxx-numbered flights to TPE with heavies. Also, some routings (charters?) via ATL and ORD. It will be interesting to see Q2 cargo revs.   

[dagger]

Another oddity the past few days - a whole lot of Air Canada 777s flying between Halifax and Inchon. I'm guessing that seafood is part of this, but it still seems like a lot of capacity for lobsters. Maybe the regular lift has disappeared, chasing higher rates. Inchon seems to be sort of a hub for AC cargo ops right now, with regular service to NRT, PVG and TPE as well. Occasional flights to Australia/New Zealand. Saw an another AKL-YYZ flight on Flightradar

[AIP]

2 hours ago, dagger said:

Another oddity the past few days - a whole lot of Air Canada 777s flying between Halifax and Inchon. I'm guessing that seafood is part of this, but it still seems like a lot of capacity for lobsters. Maybe the regular lift has disappeared, chasing higher rates. Inchon seems to be sort of a hub for AC cargo ops right now, with regular service to NRT, PVG and TPE as well. Occasional flights to Australia/New Zealand. Saw an another AKL-YYZ flight on Flightradar

Incheon.

jumping off point of sorts. crews weren't allowed to stay in China for the longest time I think.

[dagger]

10 minutes ago, AIP said:

Incheon.

jumping off point of sorts. crews weren't allowed to stay in China for the longest time I think.

I haven't seen as many of the Incheon flights continue on to PVG. What's new is that some are being routed ICN-BKK. And of course, some returns from both Asia and Europe are routing through ATL and ORD. Someone at AC is having the time of his/her life with all of this exotic route planning.

[Guest1]

Determination No. A-2021-55

April 16, 2021

 

APPLICATION by Chrono Jet inc. carrying on business as Groupe Chrono Aviation / Chrono Aviation Group (applicant) pursuant to section 61 of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA).

 

Case number: 

21-02459

 

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a domestic service, all-cargo aircraft.

The applicant is currently licensed to operate a domestic service, large aircraft.

The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of section 61 of the CTA.

Accordingly, the Agency approves the application for a licence to operate a domestic service, all-cargo aircraft

 

Member(s)

J. Mark MacKeigan

 

Determination No. A-2021-56

April 16, 2021

 

APPLICATION by Chrono Jet inc. carrying on business as Groupe Chrono Aviation / Chrono Aviation Group (applicant) pursuant to subsection 73(1) of the Canada Transportation Act, SC 1996, c 10 (CTA).

 

Case number: 

21-02460

 

The applicant has applied to the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) for a licence to operate a non‑scheduled international service, all-cargo aircraft, to transport traffic on a charter basis between Canada and any other country.

The applicant is currently licensed to operate a non‑scheduled international service, large aircraft, between Canada and any other country.

The Agency is satisfied that the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of subsection 73(1) of the CTA.

Further, with respect to this application, the applicant has undertaken that it will not contravene section 59 of the CTA prior to the issuance of the applied for licence.

Accordingly, the Agency approves the application for a licence to operate a non‑scheduled international service, all-cargo aircraft.

 

Member(s)

J. Mark MacKeigan

 

 

 

Following is a list of their 737s

5  Record(s) Found

Mark	Common Name	Model Name	Serial Number	Owner	Owner Regist. Since
C-FBIM	Boeing	737-247	23608	Chrono Jet Inc.	2019-09-25
C-FMBO	Boeing	737-8Q8	30631	Chrono Jet Inc.	2021-04-13
C-FYPN	Boeing	737-2T4	22529	Chrono Jet Inc.	2020-09-14
C-GTVO	Boeing	737-219C	22994	Chrono Jet Inc.	2018-12-11

[Guest1]

Cargojet continues strong momentum as it reports Q1, 2021

3 May 2021Canadian Aviation News

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 3, 2021 /CNW/ – Cargojet Inc. (“Cargojet” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: CJT) announced today financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Total Revenues for the quarter were $160.3 million compared to first quarter 2020 Revenues of $123.0 million. Gross Margin for the quarter was $45.3 million compared to first quarter 2020 Gross Margin of $32.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR for the quarter were $64.2 million compared to the first quarter 2020 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR of $44.6 million.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $35.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to $29.8 million for the same period in 2020 increased $5.4 million or 18.1%.

“With a fundamental shift in consumer shopping habits in several key categories, Cargojet has spent the last few quarters laying the foundation to capture the next phase of e-Commerce growth. We strengthened our balance sheet, invested in fleet expansion, broadened our portfolio of services and are investing in attracting and retaining top talent.” said Dr. Ajay Virmani, President  & CEO.

“What was previously a consumer led shift to digital is now rapidly becoming a merchant led shift, accelerating the move to e-Commerce even further. Our highly focused and professional team continues to work closely with our customers to support their changing needs while maintaining the best on-time performance in the industry” noted Dr.Virmani.

“With shifting supply chains, triggered by a significant reset of the international passenger routes, we also see opportunities to expand and diversify on select international lanes. We also continue to focus on growing our ACMI and Charter business as cargo capacity remains in high demand and we are constantly adapting to maintain our leadership position”. concluded Dr. Virmani.

[Guest1]

Boeing beefs up business to convert old 737 passenger planes into cargo jets

Leslie Josephs  2 hrs ago

• Boeing is partnering with a Costa Rican company to add to freighter-conversion capacity. Old 737 passenger planes converted into freighters have won orders with companies including Amazon.
• Cargo demand has been a relative bright spot in the pandemic while passenger travel remains below 2019 levels. Boeing is adding capacity to convert old 737 passenger planes into cargo haulers, a bet on continued growth in e-commerce.

The Chicago-based company said Wednesday it will add two production lines to convert Boeing 737-800s into freighters that will be operated by Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales, which is located in a free-trade zone near Costa Rica's capital, allowing for the duty-free importation of parts.  Coopesa – Coopesa Official Web Site

Converted 737 freighters have become more popular and won orders from Amazon as the e-commerce giant adds to the fleets of airlines that fly for its Amazon Air arm.

Boeing already converts 737-800s into freighters in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Jinan, China.

Air cargo has been a bright spot for airlines during the pandemic as passenger demand dropped sharply, while lower capacity has driven up freight costs. Air cargo volumes hit a record in March, the International Air Transport Association said Tuesday.

[dagger]

Israel's IAI now has a program to convert Boeing 777-200LRs into freighters, so if AC thinks it doesn't need them as passenger planes...

[dagger]

Unifor vs ALP re: Cargojet pilots

 

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/interference-by-us-pilots-association-unwelcome-in-canadian-bargaining-process-818756159.html

[Guest1]

FedEx Crosses Milestone With 100th Boeing 767

• byJake Hardiman
• May 15, 2021
•  

US logistics giant FedEx has reached a significant milestone in terms of the contents of its fleet. Specifically, yesterday saw the Memphis-based cargo carrier receive its 100th example of Boeing’s 767-300ER freighter. This represents FedEx’s second delivery of such an aircraft since the start of the month, and its sixth this year.

 FedEx is set to receive a further 30 767s in the coming years. Photo: Boeing

A milestone delivery

Yesterday heralded the arrival of FedEx‘s 100th Boeing 767-300F. The Memphis-based logistical juggernaut is the type’s largest operator, and, therefore, the first to reach this milestone. As seen in the tweet below, the plane has a commemorative decal behind its wings.

 

Of course, airfreight has played an increasingly vital role in keeping the world moving since the onset of coronavirus. This is an aspect of the industry that Boeing paid tribute to when announcing the milestone delivery. Indeed, the US manufacturer highlighted FedEx’s “important work (…) to deliver critical goods and supplies allover the [world].”

According to Planespotters.net, the aircraft bears the registration N277FE, and the name Ariella. The 767-300F is derived from the passenger-carrying 767-300ER, and entered service with UPS in 1995. Although FedEx didn’t receive its first example until 2013, it has since received an average of 13 767s a year. They have an average age of 3.6 years old.

N277FE’s journey from Everett to Memphis took three-and-a-half hours. Image: RadarBox.com

The second arrival this month

As it happens, N277FE is the sixth Boeing 767-300F to arrive at FedEx this year. In fact, it isn’t even the first to join the carrier this month. That honor goes to the similarly registered N276FE. RadarBox.com shows that Boeing ferried this aircraft from Everett on May 6th.

However, rather than flying to FedEx’s Memphis ‘SuperHub,’ Boeing instead delivered N276FE to its ‘National Hub’ in Indianapolis, Indiana. It has not flown since then, although it surely has a long logistical career ahead of it. Overall, Boeing’s data shows that FedEx has made 130 767-300F orders since 2011, meaning that 30 more will arrive in the future.

The original N277FE

Interestingly, this is not the first instance in which a FedEx aircraft has worn the registration N277FE. Indeed, Planespotters.net reports that this also used to belong to one of its Boeing 727 freighters. This 150-seater entered service with Air Canada in June 1980.

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After more than a decade at the Canadian flag carrier, the aircraft transferred to FedEx in June 1991. This saw its registration correspondingly altered from a Canadian one (C-GYND) to a new American one. This was none other than N277FE. It was also named Tineka.

After another two decades of cargo-carrying service, FedEx withdrew the original N277FE in July 2011, aged just over 31 years old. However, rather than scrapping the aircraft, FedEx elected to preserve it in Miami, Florida. It now serves as a training aid for the airport’s fire department and the George T Baker Technical College under the name Awesome One.

[Guest1]

What Airlines Still Fly Boeing 737 Combis? Canada istopping the list!

25 May 2021Canadian Aviation News

From Simple Flying – link to source story

by Linnea Ahlgren | May 25, 2021

While the past year has seen the rise of the ‘preighter’, cargo-passenger combination aircraft have slowly declined. With a history spanning over half a century, how many Boeing 737 Combi airplanes are still active in the skies today?

Most civilian 737 Combis still in operation are flying to remote locations in the north of Canada. Photo: BriYYZ via Wikimedia Commons

The Boeing 737 was the world’s best-selling aircraft for decades before the Airbus A320 overtook it in total orders in November 2019. It was the first commercial jet ever to surpass the 10,000 milestone in 2012, and as of April 2021, Boeing had received a total of 14,693 orders for the 737 family.

Boeing also offered a few of its versions in a combi variant. The plane maker produced a total of 125 of the 737-200C, 737-300C, 737-400C, and eventually the 737-700C. However, only a handful of operators of the Boeing 737 Combi remain.

Government missions

According to data retrieved from the ch-aviation database, 13 carriers are operating a total of 36 active Boeing 737 Combi aircraft. Nearly half of these, all 737-700Cs, are the military version known as the Boeing C-40 Clipper and operated by the United States Navy.

Another two, both Boeing 737-400Cs approaching 32 years old, are in the care of the United States National Nuclear Security Administration, a federal agency ‘responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science’.

Chrono Aviation operates a 737-200C. Photo: Airline12 via Wikimedia Commons

Canada topping the list

The remaining 19 Boeing 737 Combis are in service with carriers operating in remote locations, the majority of them located in Canada. With its main base at Kujjuaq Airport in Quebec, Air Inuit has three active 737-200Cs in its fleet, all close to or just over 40 years. Air Inuit operates domestic services to Labrador, Nunavik, and Nunavut.

Canadian North operates one 737-200C and two 737-400Cs. It acquired the latter two when merging with First Air in November 2019. The holly Inuit-owned airline also operates scheduled passenger services to communities in the Northwest Territories, Nunavik, and Nunavut, with a slogan reading ‘Fly the Arctic’.

Charter airline Chrono Aviation, based out of Québec City International Airport, also has a 38-year-old 737-200C in its fleet. Two Combi 737-200s are also deployed by Canadian commodities corporation Glencore.

Meanwhile, Montreal-based charter carrier Nolinor is still operating as many as four 737-200 Combi aircraft. Two are just over four decades old. However, one has passed the 45 mark, while another is still just over 36. The youngest of the group is a 737-200QC, which allows for conversion for either 130 passengers or a combination of passengers and cargo.

Canadian North operates three 737 combis, two of which it inherited from the merger with First Air. Photo: Gordon Leggett via Wikimedia Commons

In service of the UN

In other parts of the world, Philippino leisure carrier SEAir International owns one active 737-200C, delivered just this January after a 40-year long history with FedEx, Alaska Airlines, and South African carriers Bionic Aviation and Fair Aviation.

Meanwhile, in Africa, Aviatrade Congo still operates a 737-200C over half a century of age. A younger model, a 28-year-old 737-400C, is owned by South African Safair but leased to the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.

 

Related

 

[Guest1]

 

[Guest1]

Air Canada New Cargo service to Cairo starts June 17

4 June 2021Canadian Aviation News

May 28, 2021

Air Canada Cargo is pleased to announce the start of cargo service between Cairo, Egypt and Montreal effective June 17, operated on a Boeing 788 aircraft.

Through our extensive cargo-only network, shipments from the US and South America and throughout Canada connect easily to Cairo via our Montreal hub.

HIGHLIGHTS

• CEIV Pharma certified location; certified to handle AC Pharmacair and AC Absolute shipments
• Accommodates AC Fresh, AC DGR, AC Secure, AC Animals, AC Compassion, and AC General Cargo

ROUTE	FLIGHT	DEPART	ARRIVE	FREQUENCY
YUL > CAI	AC074	17:45	09:50 + 1	2.4.6.
CAI > YUL	AC075	11:35	16:35 + 1	3.5.7

[Guest1]

Hong Kong Airlines Reportedly Eying All A330 Cargo Operations

• byEmily Derrick
• June 7, 2021
• 3 minute read

 

Hong Kong’s third-largest carrier, Hong Kong Airlines, is reportedly looking at grounding its fleet of Airbus A320s to focus on cargo operations. According to a new plan, the airline will deploy eight of its 21 Airbus A330s on cargo routes as it continues to struggle under the ongoing impact of the global pandemic.

Hong Kong Airlines is reportedly looking to stop all passenger operations amid financial struggles. Photo: Airbus

While the airline hasn’t taken any major steps yet, according to the South China Morning Post, it is considering grounding all operations except for a few cargo routes. Hong Kong Airlines is looking to take drastic measures to ensure the airline’s survival as the pandemic drags on.

Like many airlines, Hong Kong air has been struggling to deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the airline’s cash flow has become a major problem, and so, with passenger demand still low, the airline may choose to focus on cargo operations.

 

As well as slashing passenger operations, the airline will ground most of its fleet and likely lay off more staff. The airline cut jobs last year, but reports suggest more staff may lose their jobs as passenger operations come to a halt.

Grounding the entire fleet

The airline currently operates a fleet of 34 aircraft. This includes 12 A320s, one A350XWB, and 21 A330s. Under the new plans, the entire fleet would be grounded. The exception would be eight A330s which would be used to prioritize cargo operations over passengers. Although this sounds dramatic, the airline parked 24 aircraft during the height of the pandemic.

Under new plans, the airline will ground its entire fleet keeping just eight A330s for cargo operations. Photo: Airbus

The new plan would be a significant step back for the airline, just as other airlines are looking to move forward into recovery. The airline has been struggling financially before last year’s challenges placed additional stress on the airline. With so few aircraft in the air, the airline cannot afford to keep cabin crew and pilots on the payroll. As such, the chances of even more layoffs coming to rather high.

Focus on cargo

Although the plan is not yet in motion, the airline desperately needs to make changes. The decision to focus on cargo operations is one that several other airlines have fallen back recently. The airline asked the Hong Kong government for aid, but many suspect the airline could still close down.

The airline was struggling before the global pandemic last year. The additional strain meant the airline went into bankruptcy protection in January. Photo: Airbus

Hong Kong recently relaxed rules for cargo pilots 

Quote

(Hong Kong is adjusting its rules for airline crew quarantine when it comes to cargo pilots. The Special Administrative Region will lift a 14-day quarantine requirement for Hong Kong-based crew if they are fully vaccinated (with exceptions).

Announced on Friday, this new policy will allow Cathay Pacific to boost its freighter and cargo-only flights, having previously been constrained by quarantine rules for its pilots.)meaning Hong Kong Airlines won’t be the only airline looking to step up cargo operations. Focussing on cargo operations in the short term could be successful for Hong Kong airlines. However, if it does furlough more staff, it could lose government funding. The airline is already in trouble for miscalculating the wage subsidy.

While cargo has been a good source of revenue for many airlines over the past year, it may not be enough to save Hong Kong Airlines. Moreover, if the airline loses government funding and cuts jobs, it won’t be an easy position to come back from.

[Guest1]

Air Canada Cargo Announces First Dedicated 767 Cargo Routes

• byPranjal Pande
• June 14, 2021
• 2 minute read

 

As Air Canada draws closer to receiving its first freighter aircraft, it has announced the first cargo routes it will fly. The incoming Boeing 767F will fly out of Toronto to Miami, Quito, and several other cities in South America. As more planes join the fleet, routes to Europe will be added. Let’s find out more about Air Canada’s new cargo destinations.

Air Canada is currently in the midst of converting seven of its ex-Rouge 767s into freighters. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Ready to go

Air Canada has confirmed its first dedicated Boeing 767-300ER freighter will enter service in October, just in time for the peak Q4 cargo season. The 767Fs will be primarily based out of Air Canada’s hub in Toronto Pearson Airport, with some future locations possible too.

This aircraft’s first destinations have also been released today. The cargo jets will fly to Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City, and Guadalajara (a first for AC) in 2021. This focus on Latin American highlights the bustling cargo traffic and opportunity in the region.

 

Air Canada is focusing on popular destinations in Latin America that have been lower capacity recently. Photo: GCMap

While the two 767Fs slated for delivery in 2021 will serve the initial routes, Air Canada has bigger plans. Starting early 2022, AC Cargo will start domestic freight flights to Halifax and St John’s and fly its first European routes to the hubs Madrid and Frankfurt. This will be possible once more 767s are delivered to the airline.

Jumping on

When the pandemic hit, Air Canada was one of many airlines flying cargo-only flights in its passenger planes. The carrier removed seats from cabins to create a “preighter” (passenger freighter) with more capacity. However, the pandemic dragged on, the airline realized that the busy cargo market will be here to stay for some time.

In November, Air Canada confirmed plans to add new 767 freighters, converted from its retired Air Canada Rouge fleet. This allowed the airline to enter the cargo market without the expensive capital of buying or leasing new aircraft.

 

The airline has flown an impressive 9,000 cargo-only flights, especially without the ‘preighter’ 777s and A330s. Photo: Air Canada

The seven 767-300ERs are currently undergoing passenger to freighter (P2F) conversions by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). In a statement, Air Canada Cargo Vice President, Jason Berry, said,

“These freighters will provide long-term stability and growth for our cargo customers, in particular the freight forwarding community who require reliable air freight capacity year-round. They will allow us to continue building on the success of our cargo-only flights and are an important part of our future growth. I am excited to have these aircraft enter service, a milestone for Air Canada Cargo that also opens up a world of opportunities for us and our customers.”

Important

As passenger traffic remains subdued in Canada and internationally, cargo is crucial to reducing losses for Air Canada. Moreover, the incoming freighters will also ensure a diversified source of revenue for years to come, another learning from the pandemic. For now, keep an eye out for the first flight of these incoming 767P2Fs.

 

[Guest1]

Canadian North: Exciting Changes to our Cargo Products are coming…

17 June 2021Canadian Aviation News

June 15, 2021

Canadian North is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of our new Corporate Air Cargo program.

Our new Air Cargo program will provide for a more simplified and transparent shipping service for all customers across our route network. We have updated our suite of cargo products to better reflect market needs, providing consistent rates system-wide, and aligning with industry standards, which will include refreshed rates for the handling of special commodity items and fuel surcharge adjustments.

As a loyal customer of Canadian North, these changes may provide for a standardized discount based upon the volume of your business. We are approaching this new program by relating the costs of shipping to the service level provided, and reducing the number of commodities for a simplified customer experience. The new program will provide you with options of different service levels allowing you to decide which product and rate are right for your shipment.

Under the new program, we will continue to provide corporate discounts which correspond with the volume that you are shipping. A significant change with the new cargo program will see the current food commodity SCR2194 being replaced with a TEMP Service for the handling of those products requiring temperature controls with a premium. This will allow us to continue to handle your shipment with the care and service that your product deserves.

Our new commodity codes, product levels, and public tariff rates went into effect on June 15, 2021. Although the new commodity codes and product levels came into effect yesterday, your current corporate program rates will remain fixed until such time you are moved over to the new program in the coming months.

In the interim, the Commodities of GEN and SCR2194 have been replaced with STND and TEMP respectively. Your current corporate rates for GEN and SCR2194 will continue under these new commodities of STND and TEMP until transition into the new program.

In the meantime, we have continued to extend all current rates and agreements. For those customers currently without an agreement who now qualify for a discount under the new program, we will be in contact with you to provide more detailed information on how these changes affect your account when it is transitioned.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support as we look forward to continuing with our strong partnership and assisting with your Air Cargo shipments.